Synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles coated ZnO–g–C3N4 composite nanostructures with novel antibacterial activity

Abstract

Abstract In this work, composite nanostructures (CNs) of SnO2–ZnO–g–C3N4 have been prepared by a soft chemical method and investigated for their potential application in photocatalytic remediation of organics in water and antibacterial agents. Structural study revealed the presence of three phases related to hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO, tetragonal phase of SnO2 and monoclinic phase of g–C3N4 having nanocrystalline nature which confirms the formation of CNs. Formation of nanoscale morphology along with elemental composition of the CNs have been validated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The presence of only A 1g mode of SnO2 in Raman spectrum of ternary CNs suggested that SnO2 nanoparticles have been coated on the surfaces of ZnO and g–C3N4 which is also evident from SEM results. SnO2–ZnO–g–C3N4 CNs have shown much higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency and produced 7 mm greater zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Gram-positive S. Aureus bacteria as compared to pure ZnO which is quite significant result when compared to previously reported results for SnO2–ZnO CNs. These synthesized CNs may have potential uses in healthcare technology and treatment of organics in water.